Arakan Army launches offensive near regime-held Sittwe

By Admin 23 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

23 July 2026, Sittwe

Clashes have erupted near Yaychanpyin Village in Sittwe Township, an area still controlled by the military regime, as the Arakan Army launches an offensive in the area, according to a military source.

Fighting in Sittwe is currently characterized by intermittent clashes rather than sustained heavy combat, with the military regime resisting through ground forces and air support.

"Fighting is ongoing, but it fluctuates depending on weather conditions. When the weather clears, the military deploys heavy artillery and drone strikes," a military source said.

The Arakan Army is targeting areas near Yaychanpyin Village as part of a gradual advance toward Sittwe.

In response to the Arakan Army's movements, the military has launched artillery and drone attacks on Wahbo and Khamaungdaw villages, located near the border between Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships.

"The situation is ongoing. Previously, the fighting mostly involved artillery exchanges from both sides. Now, it has escalated into ground combat. With both sides well-prepared for battle, intense clashes break out at times," said a local source familiar with the situation.

During the third week of July, the Regional Operations Command (ROC) in Sittwe carried out consecutive days of heavy artillery bombardments. Junta jet fighters also conducted flights over areas surrounding the city as a show of military force.

The Arakan Army has encircled Sittwe, the last remaining military stronghold in northern Arakan State, while the military regime has strengthened its defences with bunkers and additional troops.

Military analysts said both sides remain fully deployed in a tense standoff, warning that the localized clashes could escalate into full-scale fighting at any time.